A woman has initiated a lawsuit against Jermaine Jackson, alleging sexual abuse, sexual assault, sexual battery, negligence, and rape arising from an alleged incident in 1988.
According to court documents obtained by People, Rita Barrett claims that Jackson unexpectedly appeared at her residence in the spring of 1988, forcing his way inside. Subsequently, Jackson allegedly subjected Barrett to sexual assault using "force and violence," departing when he was "satiated."
Barrett, who had known Jackson for several years through professional and personal connections, contends that she informed Motown Records founder Berry Gordy of the alleged assault the following day. However, she alleges that Gordy "withheld and concealed the acts," speculating that his inaction may have been influenced by a business or management relationship with Jackson, who was married to Gordy's daughter Hazel from 1973 to 1988.
Entertainment Tonight notes that Barrett asserts Jackson, Gordy, and "others in the business relationship" collaborated on a cover-up to "prevent disclosure of information relating to the abuse for the purpose of profit and preservation of reputation." Barrett claims the alleged incident caused "severe emotional, physical, and psychological injury, including humiliation, shame, guilt, economic loss, economic capacity, and permanent emotional distress."
The lawsuit includes Jermaine L. Jackson Music Productions, Inc. and Work Records, Inc. as defendants.
In a statement, Barrett's attorney, Jeff Anderson, emphasized, "This is about her power and the declaration of it when she learned something could be done under the law, and she found the strength and support to find us and is now standing up for herself and others."
